ASAHEL CURTIS

1874-1941

Asahel Curtis was one of the small but devoted group of outdoor idealists who founded the Seattle Mountaineers. He led their first three summer outings, creating a climbing technique through which a few skilled climbers could lead 60 or more beginners safely to the summits of high and crevassed snow peaks.

Throughout a long and active life he remained an active and powerful leader in the developments of outdoor recreation in the Pacific Northwest, and gave permanency to outdoor scenes and events through genius in photographic art. He joined the American Alpine Club in 1913, his qualification including a number of first ascents in the Cascades and Olympics.